A judge has handed down a 12-year prison sentence to Blaine Norton, 38, of Falcon Avenue, Grays, after he subjected his victim to years of abuse. Norton was also given an additional two-and-a-half years on license. The sentencing took place at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Norton had previously been convicted of rape, ABH (Actual Bodily Harm), and false imprisonment on June 9 at the same court. As part of his sentence, he will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The victim endured violence at the hands of Norton over a period of several years. The abuse culminated in January 2017 when Norton raped her. Despite her repeated pleas for him to stop and her clear refusal to engage in sexual activity with him, Norton forced himself upon her.

The case was thoroughly investigated by detectives who specialise in sexual abuse cases. Detective Constable Richard Clark, the investigating officer, commended the bravery of the victim for coming forward and reporting the horrendous ordeal she had endured at the hands of Norton. DC Clark stated, “Blaine Norton has subjected her to a horrendous ordeal and she has shown great courage coming forward and reporting to us what he had put her through. He now faces a significant amount of time in prison for his actions.”

DC Clark also urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their cases to the police. He assured them that they would be supported by specialist officers who would thoroughly investigate their cases. DC Clark highlighted the progress made in delivering justice to victims, stating, “In the last year we solved 130 more rape and sexual assault cases than the year before and in total solved more than 575 cases.”